If a child lives with criticism - He learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility - He learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule - He learns to be shy.
If a child lives with shame - He learns to feel guilty.
If a child lives with tolerance - He learns to be patient.
If a child lives with encouragement - He learns confidence.
If a child lives with praise - He learns to appreciate.
If a child lives with fairness - He learns justice.
If a child lives with security - He learns to have faith.
If a child lives with approval - He learns to like himself.
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship - He learns to find love in the world!
Barbara Kuhlke
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Proverbs 5:21 - What does He see?
I came across this verse several nights ago, and found it quite compelling.
Proverbs 5:21
"For a man's ways are in full view of the Lord, and he examines all his paths".
It made me think. What does the Lord see when he looks at my "ways" throughout the day? When he sees the decisions that I make, the way I conduct myself, the way I choose to spend my time. Is He pleased? I pray that He is! But I also pray that He would show me when I miss the mark!
I wonder if we went through each moment of every day, remembering that God is right there with us, knowing that our Lord is seeing each and every decision, thought, word and action along the way, if we would live our days any differently? If we would spend our time any differently?
Interesting!
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Braeya meets cousin Isabel!
Braeya is 7 weeks older than Isabel - so nice that they are so close in age! Braeya saw Isabel in Halifax the week she was born....but this was their first, official meeting when they were both old enough to look at each other!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
"Wonderful Thoughts to Live By"
I always enjoy sitting down in the evening, and reading through a few pages from a book that my grandfather used to read. The pages are turning colour, the corners of the pages wrinkled, and many sections are marked with a red pen (using a ruler of course!) and so I know that this book was one he treasured.
Here is a passage from the book:
O God, for another day, for another morning, for another hour, for another minute, for another chance to live and serve thee, I am truly grateful. Do Thou this day free me:
From fear of the future:
From anxiety of the morrow:
From bitterness toward anyone:
From cowardice in face of danger:
From laziness in face of work:
From failure before opportunity:
From weakness when Thy power is at hand.
But fill me with:
Love that knows no barrier:
Courage that cannot be shaken:
Faith strong enough for the darkness:
Strength sufficient for my tasks:
Loyalty to Thy kingdom's goal:
Wisdom to meet life's complexities:
Power to lift men unto Thee:
Be Thou with me for another day and use me as Thou wilt; in Christ's name I pray. Amen.
Author: Mary Lewis
Thank you for the Christian legacy you left for us Papa. I'll always remember, even as a little girl, sitting with you on the sofa, Bible in hand, as you showed me how to underline my favourite passages.
I'm thinking of you today!
Here is a passage from the book:
O God, for another day, for another morning, for another hour, for another minute, for another chance to live and serve thee, I am truly grateful. Do Thou this day free me:
From fear of the future:
From anxiety of the morrow:
From bitterness toward anyone:
From cowardice in face of danger:
From laziness in face of work:
From failure before opportunity:
From weakness when Thy power is at hand.
But fill me with:
Love that knows no barrier:
Courage that cannot be shaken:
Faith strong enough for the darkness:
Strength sufficient for my tasks:
Loyalty to Thy kingdom's goal:
Wisdom to meet life's complexities:
Power to lift men unto Thee:
Be Thou with me for another day and use me as Thou wilt; in Christ's name I pray. Amen.
Author: Mary Lewis
Thank you for the Christian legacy you left for us Papa. I'll always remember, even as a little girl, sitting with you on the sofa, Bible in hand, as you showed me how to underline my favourite passages.
I'm thinking of you today!
Braeya - 5 months old!
Snuggles with Auntie Joanne in the sling at the St. Clair beach!
Happy girl!
Eagles fan already, just like her Daddy!
Having a grand old time in her workshop!
Supper time at the beach!Braeya - 5 months old!
Mama is drenched after being caught in a typical Essex thunder storm while out for a walk!
Crazy hair do after a long nap!!
Kisses for Daddy!
New PJ's!
Snuggles for Daddy!Monday, June 20, 2011
Daddy's FIRST Daddy's Day!
Well, hard to believe that yesterday was Shaun's FIRST Father's Day! Pretty neat!
He was very excited. He loves little B. She brings so much joy to our home.
I bought him a Father's Day card, and inside it said, "I like being a grown up with you!" I thought it was cute, but so true. It's funny that we are both adults, with a baby. All grown up! Where did the time go?
Thank you Shaun for being an amazing husband, and Daddy! I appreciate all you give to our family and all the hard work that you do! You love Braeya so much, and it shows by all of the time you spend with her, the books you read to her and all the playtime you have with her! She is one blessed little girl!
He was very excited. He loves little B. She brings so much joy to our home.
I bought him a Father's Day card, and inside it said, "I like being a grown up with you!" I thought it was cute, but so true. It's funny that we are both adults, with a baby. All grown up! Where did the time go?
Thank you Shaun for being an amazing husband, and Daddy! I appreciate all you give to our family and all the hard work that you do! You love Braeya so much, and it shows by all of the time you spend with her, the books you read to her and all the playtime you have with her! She is one blessed little girl!
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Braeya - almost 5 months!
Daddy's Day!!! 
Trying cereal for the first time! I think she likes it :)
Bath time fun!
Mmm..and Montreal Canadians bowl and spoon, courtesy of Pastor Brent & Karen!
Montreal Canadians apron for Daddy's Day..just like he wanted!Braeya - almost 5 months!
"This is my little black dress!"
All ready for a ministerial luncheon at church! 
"Oh Mama..stop it...that's too funny..I can't handle anymore!!!!!!!"
Monday, June 13, 2011
Braeya at 4.5 months old!
Church day!
I do love my toes!!!!
Crazy hair-do after a good nap!
Big smiles!Braeya at 4.5 months old!
"Daddy...I know I'm only 4.5 months old..but I look like I'm practically a toddler!!!"
A special bib from Auntie Mandy..."Star of Mommy's Blog!"
Snuggles with Mama!
"I do LOVE Green Eggs & Ham!!"
All dressed up for an afternoon at the office with Mama!Friday, June 10, 2011
God hears a Mommy's prayer!
Being a Mom is the BEST job in the entire world...but difficult at times, in that you want to be the best you can be for your child, and do everything right..and that can feel like a huge weight at times.
I've felt the weight of that for the past month or so! And unfortunately, the more books you read, and the more online pages you find, the more discouraging it can get sometimes. I found, the more opinions I read, the more I felt as though I was failing somehow. It just seemed that I could never keep up with every philosophy (whether it be about baby's sleep habits, feeding times, wakeful times, etc!)
Some books would say, "let them cry it out from birth, and they'll get to sleep!" Others would say "no, don't let them cry it out, teach them how to fall asleep!" Some authors would suggest "no swings, no vibrators" (as my baby was vibrating away in her bassinet!) And others would say "let them swing, let them enjoy movement..whatever makes them most content!"
As I'm sure you mother's can attest to..this becomes VERY confusing! As I would read one book, I would feel as though I was on the right track! Then, the following week, I would switch to the next book, and feel completely defeated.
And of course, the other frustrating thing is, every baby is different! So what works, typically, for most babies, may not work for yours. And then, an individual baby can have so many different things going on at one time, that it's hard to make a standard decision on something (for example, letting them cry it out). What if she's crying because she's teething? What if she is in need of a desperate diaper change? What if she has tummy pain? Or what if she just needs to learn how to fall asleep on her own, in which case, a bit of crying is good?
So many things to consider!
But what I've discovered is, (and was also encouraged by a dear friend about), is that God chose ME to be Braeya's Mom because He knew that I would be perfect for the job! He knew just what she needed even before she was born, and He knew that I would be just the one to entrust her to! God has given me EVERYTHING I need - He guides me, He leads me. His still small voice tells me what I need to do!
Relying on this has been the most FREEING thing ever! I don't need to do exactly as every book instructs. I don't need to worry about every opinion out there! I have God. I have His voice. He gave me instincts for a reason. And I follow!
And it's amazing what happens when you release all the stress, and just trust God! For the past few weeks, Braeya was becoming increasingly fussy over going for her naps. She was used to me walking her around the house, bouncing away, until she fell off to sleep. But of course, as she gets bigger, that becomes more difficult to do, physically!
I began to stress over all the things I should be doing (according to all of the many books I'd read!) Sometimes she'd fall asleep on her own during the day, sometimes she wouldn't..but I was beginning to panic a bit on what I should be doing - what would be best for her, so that she could have consistent naps!
Well, a few days ago, I decided to stop the stressing! Stop the worrying! Just trust God, follow my instincts and see what would happen! I have never seen a 20 year old being rocked by their mother to be put to sleep..so I figured Braeya would get the hang of it eventually! And besides, she's been sleeping through the night for weeks now! What more could I ask for!
Anyway, to make a long story "not too long" (lol) it all of a sudden came to us "she LOVES sleeping on her tummy (which I know they say not to do these days)...but she can now roll over onto her back, so we figured, in the day time for naps, it might be just what she needs. She's a snuggle bug after all, and back sleeping during the day is not so cozy!
Well, she LOVED the idea! She's been going down, peacefully for naps. No more walking around the house for, what seemed like hours, with sweat dripping off my forehead! SHE DID IT!
Anyway, I say all this to say, if you are a Mom, and you are feeling unsure about any issue raising your baby / child, don't stress! Put your trust in God! He will lead you! He gave you your child because He knew that you were the absolute BEST choice for him / her!
Books are great! I've read many, and have learned so much! But don't put yourself into a box, where you feel that you have to follow everything from every book explicitly! Take little things you learn that you think will work well for you and your baby, and do those things! But don't burden yourself with every book & every opinion entirely, or you will feel very burdened down!
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight".
Well, back to the couch! I have been sick with a cold all week, and can't seem to shake it! But I felt strongly to write this post - I hope it will encourage you if you've been discouraged lately!
Enjoy being a Mom today! What a precious gift!
Michelle
I've felt the weight of that for the past month or so! And unfortunately, the more books you read, and the more online pages you find, the more discouraging it can get sometimes. I found, the more opinions I read, the more I felt as though I was failing somehow. It just seemed that I could never keep up with every philosophy (whether it be about baby's sleep habits, feeding times, wakeful times, etc!)
Some books would say, "let them cry it out from birth, and they'll get to sleep!" Others would say "no, don't let them cry it out, teach them how to fall asleep!" Some authors would suggest "no swings, no vibrators" (as my baby was vibrating away in her bassinet!) And others would say "let them swing, let them enjoy movement..whatever makes them most content!"
As I'm sure you mother's can attest to..this becomes VERY confusing! As I would read one book, I would feel as though I was on the right track! Then, the following week, I would switch to the next book, and feel completely defeated.
And of course, the other frustrating thing is, every baby is different! So what works, typically, for most babies, may not work for yours. And then, an individual baby can have so many different things going on at one time, that it's hard to make a standard decision on something (for example, letting them cry it out). What if she's crying because she's teething? What if she is in need of a desperate diaper change? What if she has tummy pain? Or what if she just needs to learn how to fall asleep on her own, in which case, a bit of crying is good?
So many things to consider!
But what I've discovered is, (and was also encouraged by a dear friend about), is that God chose ME to be Braeya's Mom because He knew that I would be perfect for the job! He knew just what she needed even before she was born, and He knew that I would be just the one to entrust her to! God has given me EVERYTHING I need - He guides me, He leads me. His still small voice tells me what I need to do!
Relying on this has been the most FREEING thing ever! I don't need to do exactly as every book instructs. I don't need to worry about every opinion out there! I have God. I have His voice. He gave me instincts for a reason. And I follow!
And it's amazing what happens when you release all the stress, and just trust God! For the past few weeks, Braeya was becoming increasingly fussy over going for her naps. She was used to me walking her around the house, bouncing away, until she fell off to sleep. But of course, as she gets bigger, that becomes more difficult to do, physically!
I began to stress over all the things I should be doing (according to all of the many books I'd read!) Sometimes she'd fall asleep on her own during the day, sometimes she wouldn't..but I was beginning to panic a bit on what I should be doing - what would be best for her, so that she could have consistent naps!
Well, a few days ago, I decided to stop the stressing! Stop the worrying! Just trust God, follow my instincts and see what would happen! I have never seen a 20 year old being rocked by their mother to be put to sleep..so I figured Braeya would get the hang of it eventually! And besides, she's been sleeping through the night for weeks now! What more could I ask for!
Anyway, to make a long story "not too long" (lol) it all of a sudden came to us "she LOVES sleeping on her tummy (which I know they say not to do these days)...but she can now roll over onto her back, so we figured, in the day time for naps, it might be just what she needs. She's a snuggle bug after all, and back sleeping during the day is not so cozy!
Well, she LOVED the idea! She's been going down, peacefully for naps. No more walking around the house for, what seemed like hours, with sweat dripping off my forehead! SHE DID IT!
Anyway, I say all this to say, if you are a Mom, and you are feeling unsure about any issue raising your baby / child, don't stress! Put your trust in God! He will lead you! He gave you your child because He knew that you were the absolute BEST choice for him / her!
Books are great! I've read many, and have learned so much! But don't put yourself into a box, where you feel that you have to follow everything from every book explicitly! Take little things you learn that you think will work well for you and your baby, and do those things! But don't burden yourself with every book & every opinion entirely, or you will feel very burdened down!
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight".
Well, back to the couch! I have been sick with a cold all week, and can't seem to shake it! But I felt strongly to write this post - I hope it will encourage you if you've been discouraged lately!
Enjoy being a Mom today! What a precious gift!
Michelle
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Thankfulness continues...
165) Beautiful, hot summer days here in Essex!
166) Washer & dryer - wow..I can't believe how much laundry you have with a baby!!!
167) Husband that cooked an amazing supper tonight!
168) Our new Pediatrician!! So thankful we have one :)
169) A wonderful visit from Grammy, Auntie & Cousin Isabel! Come back soon!
170) Thoughtful friends.
171) Unexpected cards!
172) Peaceful sleeping baby! I love her more than I could have ever imagined!
173) Emails from old friends!
174) Encouraging words from a wise friend.
175) Diapers, wipes & formula - all on sale, plus coupons! Thankful for small blessings!
176) Sweet lullabies...so thankful for a beautiful CD that is so perfect for our little one!
177) Excitement about the future!
178) Smell of fabric softener.
179) Quiet time with my hubby after a long day.
180) A Saviour who cares about every detail of my life...who knows all of my thoughts, and understands each one.
166) Washer & dryer - wow..I can't believe how much laundry you have with a baby!!!
167) Husband that cooked an amazing supper tonight!
168) Our new Pediatrician!! So thankful we have one :)
169) A wonderful visit from Grammy, Auntie & Cousin Isabel! Come back soon!
170) Thoughtful friends.
171) Unexpected cards!
172) Peaceful sleeping baby! I love her more than I could have ever imagined!
173) Emails from old friends!
174) Encouraging words from a wise friend.
175) Diapers, wipes & formula - all on sale, plus coupons! Thankful for small blessings!
176) Sweet lullabies...so thankful for a beautiful CD that is so perfect for our little one!
177) Excitement about the future!
178) Smell of fabric softener.
179) Quiet time with my hubby after a long day.
180) A Saviour who cares about every detail of my life...who knows all of my thoughts, and understands each one.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
More of Auntie Diana & Cousin Isabel's Visit!
"Oh how I love my cousin!!!"
Ready for church!
Sleeping Isabel!
"I love my Auntie!!!!"
Friends forever!More of Auntie Diana & Cousin Isabel's Visit!
"Oh Isabel..I just want to hold your hand!!!!"
Girls having floor time together!
Girls checking each other out!
Posing for the camera :)
"See Isabel..it's not so bad holding my hand after all!!!! I LOVE YOU!!!!!!"
Auntie Diana & Cousin Isabel came to Essex for a visit!
Auntie / Mama had both babies at home, while Auntie Diana went grocery shopping...one asleep in the sling, and one almost asleep on the shoulder..not a bad afternoon!
"Oh Auntie...and I your FAVOURITE niece??!!!!!!"
Grammy with her two angels!
Grammy came for a short weekend visit too, and then Diana and Isa stayed for an extra week! It was great having the two cousins together. They are so cute, and I'm sure will become wonderful friends as the years go on!
It was nice to have another adult around the house in the day time! We had nice chats, and relaxed all week long.
Come back and visit us soon Auntie Diana & Cousin Isa!
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